Frank Luntz, the go-to pollster for political strategy, has weighed in on the upcoming September 10 debate featuring former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. Luntz has posited that Trump could gain the upper hand if he plays his cards right, especially when it comes to the art of silence and posing those all-important questions that put Harris on the back foot.
It’s not often that silence speaks louder than words, but Luntz suggests that Trump could tap into this elusive strategy. In a political landscape where every soundbite is pored over by pundits, sometimes a moment of quiet can be the most powerful weapon in a candidate’s arsenal. By allowing Harris to squirm in the absence of an immediate response, Trump could highlight her inability to address certain crucial issues—particularly those of the current administration’s making.
WATCH: @FrankLuntz reveals Trump “has questions that he can ask” which Kamala Harris “can't answer” during debate pic.twitter.com/7R6CtoHhLj
— TV News Now (@TVNewsNow) September 2, 2024
Among the gems Luntz offered for Trump to consider were questions directly focused on the economic downturn, such as why inflation skyrocketed. At the same time, Harris occupied a prominent role in the Biden administration. There is little doubt that Americans are feeling the pinch at the grocery store and the gas pump, and these issues hit home for voters. Questions about the administration’s policies and their consequences could thrust Harris into an uncomfortable position, forcing her to confront the reality that many Americans are far from satisfied with the current state of affairs.
This debate also offers Trump a great opportunity to revive a classic Republican mantra: Are you better off now than you were four years ago? This question, posed initially by Ronald Reagan, has never lost its edge. Voters will inevitably grapple with their financial situations as they tune in. If Trump can manage to drive that point home, it could resonate deeply with his base—and even sway undecided voters who might yearn for the more prosperous days of the Trump administration.
While Harris has been busy campaigning alongside Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, one cannot help but notice the difference in enthusiasm. With the Biden endorsement under her belt and appearances designed to portray her as a formidable candidate, one has to wonder if she’s prepared for the intense scrutiny to come in the debate. The pressure is mounting, and if she falters when confronted with Trump’s incisive questions, it could be a critical turning point in the race for the White House. The stakes are high, and all eyes will be on how effectively both candidates navigate what could be a pivotal moment in the 2024 election cycle.
